Field Trip: Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens


Morikami Gardens

Recently, I was researching quotes from some of my favorite novels, for no other reason than to post them on my personal Facebook page. I was looking for some inspiring words, the kind that resonated with me, the kind that I could share with others.

Continue reading →

Bloomin’ Update 24: May Day And Night


May days are a wonder in the garden.  It seems that each day there is something else budding, blooming, or fading away.

A few posts ago, I featured the gradual blooming of the first peony.

Continue reading →

Bloomin’ Update 22: Making Love To The Camera


There are days when I no longer feel like a gardener.  There are days when I feel more like a fashion photographer, coordinating colors, waiting for the perfect light, and soothing the tender egos.  As I take out the camera, they’re on — strutting and seductive as they all aim to get the cover of Vogue or Elle or Better Homes and Gardens.

“Yes.  That’s the shot.”

Bleeding Heart

Continue reading →

Bloomin’ Update 12: Bedazzled & Be-blogged


I always thought I knew my garden, knew all of its ins and outs.  I have learned otherwise since starting this blog.  Now, I find myself looking at the garden more deeply, always thinking of the next post.  In fact, post obsession occupies most of my daily thoughts since I promised myself that I would post twice a week.  Could I possibly write that much, especially at this time of year when so much of the garden is leaving or already gone?

That was the thought I had the other day when I pulled into the driveway, the posting question planted firmly in the forefront of my brain.  It had been a rainy, gray day — and as I sat in my car, I looked about and I was stunned.  My garden had been transformed into a shimmering display of rubies and amber,  garnet and topaz.  The next day, the sun came out, and when I looked about again, I discovered that my rainy day vision had not been a dream. 

Red and Gold, part 1.

Weeping Dogwood.

Beneath the outer leaves of the Weeping Dogwood, other leaves were making the change.

It's a wonder what a little frost will do to Hosta.

Azalea.

The Climbing Hydrangea has never bloomed. Just leaves.

Japanese Maple

Euonymus "Burning Bush" is on fire.

Red and Gold, Part 2